Washington: Democratic Presidential nominee Joe Biden has named Indian-origin senator Kamala Harris, whose roots are said to be at Besant Nagar in Chennai, as his vice-presidential running mate.
Kamala (55), whose father is an African-American from Jamaica and mother from India, is currently the US Senator from California and often has been described as a trailblazer by former president Barack Obama.
Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, born in Chennai, was a widely respected breast cancer researcher who immigrated to the United States from India in the 1960s. Her father, Donald Harris, is an eminent economist who spent much of his career at Stanford University. Also an immigrant, he moved to the United States from Jamaica.
Biden (77) made the announcement in a text message to his supporters on Tuesday afternoon, ending days of suspense about a week ahead of his virtual Democratic National Convention that would formally nominate him as the party’s candidate for the November 3 presidential elections.
“Joe Biden here. I’ve chosen Kamala Harris as my running mate. Together, with you, we’re going to beat Trump. Add your name to welcome her to the team,” Biden said in the text message.
Biden said Harris will be the best partner for him to finally get the country back on track.